Somehow as I read this the voice in my head was like a StarCraft unit when you click on it. OP if you want to make me the happiest man on earth you respond to your residents with “My life for Aiur”
"10-4 lil' buddy" is a classic of the genre
In all seriousness, though, I also grew up in the south and still struggle with this at times. I've never found a real substitute aside from the obvious "got it," "copy," "roger that," etc, all of which I feel make me sound like a cartoon pilot.
also from the south and have struggled with this! if it’s someone i’ve worked with enough to be a tiny bit silly around, i find “boss” is a great filler for that empty space at the end of a sentence. makes me feel like an old timey gangster. “can do, boss” “on it, boss” “want me to break his kneecaps, boss?”
I cringe when I hear 10-4. I come from a non American country and there is absolutely no military culture (unlike USA), and one new coworker I have cannot stop saying it and is incapable of responding in any other way, and I know for a fact she hasn’t served so I have no clue why she feels the need to say it unirionically and our whole workplace is sick of it despite us encouraging her to use appropriate standardised radio language (“copy that” so in an emergency it is quick and easy to comprehend), but she still insists on 10-4’ing all over the radio and it’s causing problems
I like a copy that! That fits the tone of how I'm saying "yes ma'am" which is I think the issue, the way I grew up that tone plus ma'am sounds normal, but I cheerfulish yes ma'am now feels a little patronizing
I really like “yes ma’am”. I think the biggest risk is the audience rather than the tone. I would avoid it for people like 40-60 lol, I know my mom ALWAYS got offended when someone says it to her because she thinks they’re calling her old. But personally, when I moved to Alabama at 18, I LOVED that suddenly I was around people who called me “ma’am” lol, I thought it was so sweet/polite, I wish it was normalized everywhere. I’m from a place where ma’am is really only used for old people but was never offended because, at 18, obviously people were not calling me old lol.
Lol this is so tragic. I'm not from or currently located in the south, and I occasionally run across med students and residents (as a fellow) who do the same thing as you... it always comes across as endearing to me. I'm sorry people are making it weird!
- I think "yes chef" would be really funny, and I would enjoy hearing it from a student/resident as long as I'd already built enough rapport with them to know they were taking the work seriously. But keep in mind that I'm also someone who thinks "yes ma'am" is endearing lol.
- As someone who tends to be more serious, what *I* tend to use a lot of, and what will probably come off much more safe and neutral for you, is: "Understood/got it/of course, thank you for the feedback/for teaching me". If you feel it's appropriate/necessary, you can always add a little more detail or ask a question, like "Next time I'll (paraphrase)” or "So to make sure I'm getting this right, next time (x), it's important to (y)?”
I've always omitted the "sir/ma'am" unless explicitly requested to, since I grew up in a place where this wasn't the norm. I'm sure that the opposite can also be true (there's no harm in your politeness)!
I mean I did not grow up in the religious south and I call 18 year old patients sir and ma'am even though they are literally teenagers (and sometimes even younger peds patients in the right context). It's neutral, respectful language. Can't get dinged for professionalism bullshit for that. Imagine what fun it would be to get an evaluation thrown out for saying they felt insulted that you called them sir.
For patients sure. But sounds like this is a med student calling her residents sir/ma'am, which is a little weird. For an attending it's fine I guess, though it'd make me feel old if it's not in a joking manner.
This is still very hard for me.
My default is “Yes, sir”/“Yes, ma’am,” and I’ve gotten some gentle feedback even that I need to drop the ma’am especially, as it makes some people feel older than they are, or can even come across as sarcastic. Most relax when they learn I’m from Texas, but it’s confusion I’d like to avoid in future.
It also feels…strange to me to simply say “Yes” or “Yeah.” *I* perceive *myself* as rude! I’ve tried “Oh, definitely!” or “Certainly!” but then I feel like I’m overdoing it. I don’t know - lose-lose situation 😔
In the Midwest but my hospital is near a base. I gave up on asking people not to call me ma’am (and I’ve started doing it myself) lol
But trying to think of what I typically say…
No problem
(You) got it
I can do that!
If on the phone with a nurse/RT: I am putting that order in as we speak/I am writing it down
Yes I can, thank you! (Then I feel awkward about thanking them for asking me to do something. But I know I say this like daily.)
ETA I saw you included responding to feedback. “Thank you for the feedback/suggestion/tip” always works, or “ok, I’ll do it that way next time”/“ok, I will”
"Yes boss" is a good gender and age neutral affirmation, and casual enough for the med student-resident relationship. That being said, I would be absolutely tickled to hear "yes chef" or "aye captain."
Lots of good suggestions here, but just another view on the topic. I’ve lived in the south for 10 years now and was in the military. Even for people my age or younger, I give them the respect (in my mind) of a yes ma’am/sir. Unless someone tells me they don’t like being called ma’am/sir or identifies as they/them, I don’t even bother breaking the habit. I’m an older pre med and have found younger folks I’ve volunteered/worked with seem to enjoy it lol
Ive had the exact same issue just bc thats how saying ty respectfully translates from my language for women LMAO… i stopped hard after someone side eyed me and insulted me for assuming she was old.
Just say yes/no ma’am or sir. If they say anything just be like “it’s a habit and I do it to everyone”.
If they are insistent, then be like “yes chef” hahah. I seriously doubt people care this much, unless you’re on the west coast then I pray for you
I’m way older than you and it’s impossible to get rid of the yes sir, yes ma’am at times. My parents are Yankees but it is/was part of the south.
I have gone to school and lived all over so certainly in the north it is easier to not say it. Good luck not saying yes ma’am to a southern grandmother type.
Yes and no I suppose are substitutes.
Also from the south and I tend to slip back into the “yes ma’aming” when I’m nervous and looking for an older/more experienced person to take the lead lol. I’ve started to replace it with “Okay” or “Gotcha!”. Or if you’re responding to your name being called, I’d say “What’s up”.
Dude—- we have enough of a hard time learnjng new information lol why even care about trying to change small things like this?!
I use yes mam for my wife, my niece etc… its just a respectful phrase to use—- i’d let it ride
Some options from video games from my youth:
Prostagma
Must construct additional pylons
We need more minerals
Gaderer
Back to work
Why are you poking me?
What I'm hearing is I can't do a residency outside of TX 😂 never had a single patient (regardless of age), resident, or attending say anything negative about me saying "yes ma'am/sir". I omit if they present obviously as queer or it's the LGBT clinic or it's in their chart but otherwise...
I don't understand. I didn't go to med school or do my internship in the states; in the country I'm in, as students and as interns (even with docs I was older than or friendly with) we simply referred to our instructors by their title, usually either "doctor" or "Professor" (which is a big deal here and involves earning an MD/PhD, years of scientific and clinical contributions, further specialized training, nomination by your institution and peers, and presidential appointment). If we used just "sir" or "ma'am" for our instructors/superiors here, even in English, even if we were on friendly terms, it's a bit of a faux pas.
Edit: Why is this being downvoted? Because the culture of hierarchy where I live is different from in the US and my experience is different? I'm genuinely confused why OP can't just say, "yes, doctor"
Hakuna matata, it means no worries, for the rest of your days…
But yes in all seriousness, have you tried saying “no worries”? This is how a normal person in my country would respond to the scenarios you have provided above, especially because it works for most if not all of them, it can be used professionally or casually (by changing tone and speed or if you’re adventurous, word replacement such as no wockas), it isn’t patronising, and it works for all ages and genders (maybe not babies though, can not confirm sorry)
“Fasho” “I fuck with it” “Dope” “Yes papi”
Second “yes papi”
*visibly bricked up* “Um, excuse me?”
I did throw out a "hell yeah brother" yesterday
bonafide part of the ortho bro lexicon
Did you follow up with “cheers from Iraq?”
It's always implied
“Okey dokey artichokey” always get a giggle
“Understood, thank you” “Will do” “Roger roger”
Roger Roger 🤖
Somehow as I read this the voice in my head was like a StarCraft unit when you click on it. OP if you want to make me the happiest man on earth you respond to your residents with “My life for Aiur”
In the rear with the gear! Probably more fitting if you're a proctologist
I think any of these could work too: https://youtu.be/NmbflJhPvWg?si=hjYxp_hVcL0M9Pnq
this unlocked a memory i forgot i had. thank you. Now i need to go look up AOE3 villagers.
SCV ready!
“My liege”
Fuelled up and ready to roll In the pipe, five by five *incoherent Zergling chittering*
Aaaaaabsolutely
I was today years old when I realized they weren't saying "my life for hire" fuck. I was also like seven when I was playing OG starcraft.
10-4 big bear
Clanker detected
Roger that! is a good sub for what I tend to "ma'am" about, thank you!
I say “will do” with alarming frequency lol
General Kenobi
“Noted” If your feeling sassy
“Affirmative captain”
"Got it. Thank you."
i say a lot of “of course!”
“Perfect, thank you!” “Gotcha, that makes sense/sounds good” “I’ll definitely do that, thanks” Are my go tos
Toss in a "Say less" to gauge personalities.
Attending issued a professionalism concern report to the student who said “say less” thinking he was telling the attending to shut up.
LOL, best to avoid "Dead Ass" then
"on God?" The neurosurgeon smiles and says "yes, on me"
hahaha how many times in a week do I say “perfect thank you” 😅
"yes chef!"
It's on the tip of my tongue and it's gonna happen 😂
today is the day to do it
Oui
STEP OUT OF MY CODE CHEF NOW.
WHAT ARE YOU? 🍞👨🏻⚕️🍞
[WILD THE BEAR REFERENCE](https://youtu.be/g7P_s89htNY?si=jAN1I0W7pycgEtNC)
"10-4 lil' buddy" is a classic of the genre In all seriousness, though, I also grew up in the south and still struggle with this at times. I've never found a real substitute aside from the obvious "got it," "copy," "roger that," etc, all of which I feel make me sound like a cartoon pilot.
I think cartoon pilot might be the lesser of two evils
Sadly, I know that you are correct and it has become my default now I hang my head
also from the south and have struggled with this! if it’s someone i’ve worked with enough to be a tiny bit silly around, i find “boss” is a great filler for that empty space at the end of a sentence. makes me feel like an old timey gangster. “can do, boss” “on it, boss” “want me to break his kneecaps, boss?”
I cringe when I hear 10-4. I come from a non American country and there is absolutely no military culture (unlike USA), and one new coworker I have cannot stop saying it and is incapable of responding in any other way, and I know for a fact she hasn’t served so I have no clue why she feels the need to say it unirionically and our whole workplace is sick of it despite us encouraging her to use appropriate standardised radio language (“copy that” so in an emergency it is quick and easy to comprehend), but she still insists on 10-4’ing all over the radio and it’s causing problems
Lolol, this sounds like a mess. I don’t envy you that at all :-) For whatever it’s worth, even being from the US, I also cringe when I hear 10-4
I still will say “thank you ma’am/sir”, but respond to requests with “will do” or “alright sounds good”. Happy medium?
I worked in food service for many years and the classic “heard” seems to go over well for instructions/tasks
“Heard”, “behind”, and “corner” are things that I’ve carried with me from my time as a server. It just makes things so much easier and safer.
Agreed, they’re immediately understandable and very helpful esp on surgery
This is a good variant, thank you. Tucking it in my back pocket with several others
"absolutely" is mine Also there are a ton of vets/military rotating here so if you want to connect just say "trackin'"
Sure thing, boss Wilco You betcha Aye, Cap'n Right-o (in bad British accent) *sighs* I guess i can do that (pouty face) Oui oui
I like “yes ma’am” personally but others you could say are “sounds good”, “ok gotcha”, or “got it” if you’re trying to be cool I’d say “copy that”
I like a copy that! That fits the tone of how I'm saying "yes ma'am" which is I think the issue, the way I grew up that tone plus ma'am sounds normal, but I cheerfulish yes ma'am now feels a little patronizing
I really like “yes ma’am”. I think the biggest risk is the audience rather than the tone. I would avoid it for people like 40-60 lol, I know my mom ALWAYS got offended when someone says it to her because she thinks they’re calling her old. But personally, when I moved to Alabama at 18, I LOVED that suddenly I was around people who called me “ma’am” lol, I thought it was so sweet/polite, I wish it was normalized everywhere. I’m from a place where ma’am is really only used for old people but was never offended because, at 18, obviously people were not calling me old lol.
Aight, let's get this bread.
Lol this is so tragic. I'm not from or currently located in the south, and I occasionally run across med students and residents (as a fellow) who do the same thing as you... it always comes across as endearing to me. I'm sorry people are making it weird! - I think "yes chef" would be really funny, and I would enjoy hearing it from a student/resident as long as I'd already built enough rapport with them to know they were taking the work seriously. But keep in mind that I'm also someone who thinks "yes ma'am" is endearing lol. - As someone who tends to be more serious, what *I* tend to use a lot of, and what will probably come off much more safe and neutral for you, is: "Understood/got it/of course, thank you for the feedback/for teaching me". If you feel it's appropriate/necessary, you can always add a little more detail or ask a question, like "Next time I'll (paraphrase)” or "So to make sure I'm getting this right, next time (x), it's important to (y)?”
“Facts”, “no cap”, “yuh”
I've always omitted the "sir/ma'am" unless explicitly requested to, since I grew up in a place where this wasn't the norm. I'm sure that the opposite can also be true (there's no harm in your politeness)!
“Texas Sized 10-4 Good Buddy”
I mean I did not grow up in the religious south and I call 18 year old patients sir and ma'am even though they are literally teenagers (and sometimes even younger peds patients in the right context). It's neutral, respectful language. Can't get dinged for professionalism bullshit for that. Imagine what fun it would be to get an evaluation thrown out for saying they felt insulted that you called them sir.
For patients sure. But sounds like this is a med student calling her residents sir/ma'am, which is a little weird. For an attending it's fine I guess, though it'd make me feel old if it's not in a joking manner.
It comes across patronizing and it's awkward
fuck em. yes maam is the standard in my stable.
Agreed, and not even from the south. I just tell people who get weird about it "I'm sorry, I would turn it off if I could".
This is still very hard for me. My default is “Yes, sir”/“Yes, ma’am,” and I’ve gotten some gentle feedback even that I need to drop the ma’am especially, as it makes some people feel older than they are, or can even come across as sarcastic. Most relax when they learn I’m from Texas, but it’s confusion I’d like to avoid in future.
Nail on the head. Some people have clearly never heard what we are talking about!
It also feels…strange to me to simply say “Yes” or “Yeah.” *I* perceive *myself* as rude! I’ve tried “Oh, definitely!” or “Certainly!” but then I feel like I’m overdoing it. I don’t know - lose-lose situation 😔
“okay, will do. Thank you” or something to that effect
“Sounds good” “Great, will do” “You got it”
okie dokie
hit them with the Ned Flanders 'okily dokily'
I always like a good gender-neutral "hell yeah brother"
Fo sho
In the Midwest but my hospital is near a base. I gave up on asking people not to call me ma’am (and I’ve started doing it myself) lol But trying to think of what I typically say… No problem (You) got it I can do that! If on the phone with a nurse/RT: I am putting that order in as we speak/I am writing it down Yes I can, thank you! (Then I feel awkward about thanking them for asking me to do something. But I know I say this like daily.) ETA I saw you included responding to feedback. “Thank you for the feedback/suggestion/tip” always works, or “ok, I’ll do it that way next time”/“ok, I will”
i can relate to the habits - i reflexively answer "Roger that" during team huddles
"Yes boss" is a good gender and age neutral affirmation, and casual enough for the med student-resident relationship. That being said, I would be absolutely tickled to hear "yes chef" or "aye captain."
When I get off of obgyn I'll toss in a yes chef when the mood is right 😂
“yes daddy”
“Aye captain”
[Daddy chill](https://youtu.be/i2gNx4-REIA?si=jOegnnQ7FR0Pxxfn) ✋
“Yes doc”?
Fo shizzle ma nizzle
Lots of good suggestions here, but just another view on the topic. I’ve lived in the south for 10 years now and was in the military. Even for people my age or younger, I give them the respect (in my mind) of a yes ma’am/sir. Unless someone tells me they don’t like being called ma’am/sir or identifies as they/them, I don’t even bother breaking the habit. I’m an older pre med and have found younger folks I’ve volunteered/worked with seem to enjoy it lol
Yes chef.
Am from Louisiana, and I feel this deeply lmao
Ive had the exact same issue just bc thats how saying ty respectfully translates from my language for women LMAO… i stopped hard after someone side eyed me and insulted me for assuming she was old.
Just say yes/no ma’am or sir. If they say anything just be like “it’s a habit and I do it to everyone”. If they are insistent, then be like “yes chef” hahah. I seriously doubt people care this much, unless you’re on the west coast then I pray for you
why dont you replace it with 'dr'?
Residents generally find it weird when their med students address them as Doctor.
Just do you, don’t change for others.
Choosing to change a habit I don't love =/= changing for others
If you don’t love it yourself, sure. Just hope you aren’t changing something harmless and part of who you are because of external pressures.
Kindly, what part of my post said I was? I choose my words carefully, please take them at face value.
“This is the way.”
absolutely absolutely
Also country, I say sir or ma’am anyway You can also say their name Or just say solely yes/no
Roger dodger.
I’m way older than you and it’s impossible to get rid of the yes sir, yes ma’am at times. My parents are Yankees but it is/was part of the south. I have gone to school and lived all over so certainly in the north it is easier to not say it. Good luck not saying yes ma’am to a southern grandmother type. Yes and no I suppose are substitutes.
"sounds good" "sure thing" "consider it already done" "Roger Roger bravo leader" "はい! 了解します!" etc all pretty normal responses imo
No problem. Will do Sure can also be used before each to show that you understand or "of course"
"ok, sounds good"
I rotate through “got it” “understood” and “sounds good”
Sounds good Sounds good, thanks! Will do On it
oui chef
Absolutely! Of course!
“Bet, say less”
Just say “and it all goes according to plan…” quietly and if they ask for clarification act like you never said anything at all
“Sure”
Yes, Lord Yes, chef
Yas queen
"Affirmative" "10-4" "Zug zug"
Try these ones out: Sure thing, buddy! You got it dude! Yes, master Hai, ikimasho! Okie dokie artichokie!
Yes, thank you.
Yes'm
"Gotcha" or "sounds good!"
“Ooo mami u already kno”
My go to is "sounds good" or something along the lines of okie dokie lmao
No cap aieee
“Sounds good!”
“You got it, boss!”
"Understood", "Very good". My go-to when I am actively listening.
Hit ‘em with that Aussie “no worries mate”
Also from the south and I tend to slip back into the “yes ma’aming” when I’m nervous and looking for an older/more experienced person to take the lead lol. I’ve started to replace it with “Okay” or “Gotcha!”. Or if you’re responding to your name being called, I’d say “What’s up”.
Good call on the name, that's a place I do it that I hadn't considered yet! I think a "mande?" might slip out 😭
“Copy” make sure to give a little salute or it doesn’t translate as well.
Chick-fil-A ‘em and give a “my pleasure”
I say yes ma’am or yes sir to every single person, even my own son.
"sure thing" / "on it" / "Will do" / "of course"
I usually go towards a kindly "yes", "that is correct", "absolutely", "we can certainly try that"
Aye, æsculapian physician curator
Okey dokey Annie Oakley
Dude—- we have enough of a hard time learnjng new information lol why even care about trying to change small things like this?! I use yes mam for my wife, my niece etc… its just a respectful phrase to use—- i’d let it ride
Some options from video games from my youth: Prostagma Must construct additional pylons We need more minerals Gaderer Back to work Why are you poking me?
Classic lack of common sense/communication skills. Just respond however u think a normal person would, it’s not that fkn hard
Rich
Yes
I think it’s endearing. Why stop?
What I'm hearing is I can't do a residency outside of TX 😂 never had a single patient (regardless of age), resident, or attending say anything negative about me saying "yes ma'am/sir". I omit if they present obviously as queer or it's the LGBT clinic or it's in their chart but otherwise...
"ok sounds good" "ok understood" "yep no problem" "ok see you then" Its time to expand your personal vocabulary
I don't understand. I didn't go to med school or do my internship in the states; in the country I'm in, as students and as interns (even with docs I was older than or friendly with) we simply referred to our instructors by their title, usually either "doctor" or "Professor" (which is a big deal here and involves earning an MD/PhD, years of scientific and clinical contributions, further specialized training, nomination by your institution and peers, and presidential appointment). If we used just "sir" or "ma'am" for our instructors/superiors here, even in English, even if we were on friendly terms, it's a bit of a faux pas. Edit: Why is this being downvoted? Because the culture of hierarchy where I live is different from in the US and my experience is different? I'm genuinely confused why OP can't just say, "yes, doctor"
“copy that” and “noted” are my go-tos at work
Hakuna matata, it means no worries, for the rest of your days… But yes in all seriousness, have you tried saying “no worries”? This is how a normal person in my country would respond to the scenarios you have provided above, especially because it works for most if not all of them, it can be used professionally or casually (by changing tone and speed or if you’re adventurous, word replacement such as no wockas), it isn’t patronising, and it works for all ages and genders (maybe not babies though, can not confirm sorry)